Bracket system

ABSTRACT

A bracket system for orthodontic appliances including a bracket combinatorial library having a plurality of brackets each interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of brackets can be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over the entire useful range of orthodontic mechanics, allowing an orthodontic practitioner to prescribe a combination of tipping force moments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments unique for each tooth in relation to the plurality of teeth of a patient.

This United States Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/648,305, filed Jul. 12, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.9,993,316, issued Jun. 12, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/345,368, filed Nov. 7, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.9,707,057, issued Jul. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of UnitedStates Patent Application No. U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/491,875, filed Sep. 19, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,299, issuedNov. 8, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/880,322, filed Sep. 20, 2013, each herebyincorporated by reference herein.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A bracket system for orthodontic appliances including a bracketcombinatorial library having a plurality of brackets eachinterchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth withina dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of bracketscan be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping forcemoments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over theentire useful range of orthodontic mechanics, allowing an orthodonticpractitioner to prescribe a combination of tipping force moments, in-outforce moments, and torqueing force moments unique for each tooth inrelation to the plurality of teeth of a patient.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Orthodontic treatment applied to straighten or align teeth of a patientdates back hundreds of years. Generally, orthodontic treatment includesthe use of wires wrapped around the teeth of a patient. Around themid-1970s, chiefly due to improvements in adhesive technology, thepreferred method shifted to bonding brackets directly onto the teeth ofthe patient and running elastic archwires of rectangular cross-sectionalshape through archwire slots disposed within the brackets.

Typically, manual selection of orthodontic appliance components may bemade by an orthodontic practitioner from available inventories ofstandard or otherwise pre-manufactured components, which the orthodonticpractitioner assembles to form the orthodontic appliance to treat thepatient. In most cases, the appliance components, such as the brackets,may be adapted to a certain tooth, for instance an upper canine, but notto the individual tooth of the specific patient. Adaptation of thebracket to the individual tooth of the specific patient may commonly beperformed by filling the gap between the individual tooth surface andthe bracket surface with adhesive to thereby bond the bracket to theindividual tooth such that the archwire slot orients in a horizontalplane when the teeth move to a targeted position, whereby the drivingforce for moving the teeth to the targeted position is provided by thearchwire disposed within the archwire slots.

As stated above, conventional brackets may typically be designed andmanufactured based upon average anatomy. Consequently, orthodonticpractitioners select what they perceive to be the brackets and archwireshaving a relatively similar design to that required to treat aparticular patient, then modify the design to treat the particularpatient. Some modifications may be performed when the orthodonticappliance is initially installed, but almost inevitably, modification isrequired during the course of treatment of the patient. These subsequentmodifications may take the form of replacement of brackets, but mostcommonly take the form of periodic bending and reshaping of the archwireas the treatment progresses. Thus, the treatment of the patient hasbecome a manual feedback system in which the orthodontic practitionersmonitors the progress of the treatment and then readjusts theorthodontic appliance to correct the forces being applied to the teethto bring the teeth to targeted positions. As a result, the patient maybe subjected to treatment over a period of time which may be greaterthan would be necessary if the orthodontic appliance were initiallyoptimally designed. In addition, the time required of the orthodonticpractitioner for implementation of the treatment may be several timesgreater than if modification of the orthodontic appliance was notneeded. Hence, the orthodontic practitioner may be restricted totreating fewer patients and the cost of the treatment to the patientand/or to the orthodontist may be increased.

Systems and methods for providing custom orthodontic appliances aregaining acceptance. Typically, these systems and methods take intoaccount individual patient anatomy and design and manufacture customappliances on a case-by-case basis. Often, custom appliance designs arebased on calculated ideal occlusions or treatment plans by or with theaid of computers or computer programs, whereby tooth setups orpost-treatment tooth positions may be determined based on digital dataof the tooth shapes and other dental anatomy of the individual patient.The resulting custom appliances, when properly designed andmanufactured, can be fitted to the teeth of a patient by an orthodonticpractitioner, usually using custom jigs or other positioning devices ortechniques that may be provided with the custom appliances to insureplacement at predetermined positions on the teeth so that theorthodontic appliance functions as it was designed to. Properlyinstalled, such a custom appliances can move the teeth of a patient inless time and with a minimum of post-installation manipulation by theorthodontic practitioner.

However, custom orthodontic appliances may not always be available ormay not always be desired, for example because the design andmanufacturing can be relatively expensive and time-consuming.

Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method which can improve theselection and customization of standard or otherwise pre-manufacturedorthodontic appliance components to achieve the entire useful range oforthodontic mechanics in a cost-effective and timely fashion.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a bracket system for orthodontic appliances including a bracketcombinatorial library having a plurality of brackets eachinterchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth withina dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of bracketscan be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping forcemoments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over theentire useful range of orthodontic mechanics.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a method of producing a bracket system by providing a bracketcombinatorial library having a plurality of brackets eachinterchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth withina dentition group in a dental arch, whereby the plurality of bracketscan be configured to provide incremental variation in tipping forcemoments, in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over theentire useful range of orthodontic mechanics.

Another broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can beto provide a method of using a bracket system having a bracketcombinatorial library by prescribing a unique combination of bracketsfrom the bracket combinatorial library, each bracket within the bracketcombinatorial library interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of aplurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch; andfixedly mounting each bracket from the prescribed unique combination ofbrackets to each corresponding tooth of the plurality of teeth withinthe dentition group in the dental arch. The plurality of brackets can beconfigured to provide incremental variation in tipping force moments,in-out force moments, and torqueing force moments over the entire usefulrange of orthodontic mechanics.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an orthodontic appliance utilizing aparticular embodiment of the inventive bracket system.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a facial orthodontic appliance utilizing aparticular embodiment of the inventive bracket system.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a lingual orthodontic appliance utilizinga particular embodiment of the inventive bracket system.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bracket combinatorial library havingvarious combinations of bracket body lengths, archwire slot angles, andbracket base rotation configurations in a particular embodiment of theinventive bracket system.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a particular embodiment of a bracket ofthe inventive bracket system, whereby an archwire is disposed within anarchwire slot of the bracket.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of a bracket base mounting surface havingbond enhancement elements.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of tip misalignment of the teeth associatedwith mesial-distal inclination.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of the inventive bracket system fixed torespective surfaces of the teeth shown in FIG. 5A to correct tipmisalignment of the teeth associated with mesial-distal inclination.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of the correction of tip misalignment of theteeth associated with mesial-distal inclination shown in FIG. 5Bfollowing treatment with the inventive bracket system.

FIG. 6A is and illustration of in-out misalignment of the teeth inrelation to the dental arch midline.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of the inventive bracket system fixed torespective surfaces of the teeth shown in FIG. 6A to correct in-outmisalignment of the teeth in relation to the dental arch midline.

FIG. 6C is an illustration of the correction of in-out misalignment ofthe teeth in relation to the dental arch midline shown in FIG. 6Cfollowing treatment with the inventive bracket system.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of torque misalignment of the teethassociated with facial-lingual inclination.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of the inventive bracket system fixed torespective surfaces of the teeth shown in FIG. 7A to correct torquemisalignment of the teeth associated with facial-lingual inclination.

FIG. 7C is an illustration of the correction of torque misalignment ofthe teeth associated with facial-lingual inclination shown in FIG. 7Bfollowing treatment with the inventive bracket system.

FIG. 7D is an illustration of bracket configuration having an archwireslot angled in relation to a bracket body longitudinal axis, theresulting archwire slot angle configured to generate archwire twisting,whether clockwise twisting or counterclockwise twisting, for thecorrection of torque misalignment of the teeth associated withfacial-lingual inclination.

FIG. 7E is an illustration of bracket configuration having a bracketbody longitudinal axis angled in relation to a bracket base, theresulting archwire slot angle configured to generate archwire twisting,whether clockwise twisting or counterclockwise twisting, for thecorrection of torque misalignment of the teeth associated withfacial-lingual inclination.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the inventive bracket system including anelastic ligature and a movable latch element, both adapted to retain thearchwire within the archwire slot.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2B, embodiments ofthe inventive bracket system (1) can be utilized for orthodontictreatment performed by fixing an orthodontic appliance (2) to aplurality of teeth (3). Typically, an orthodontic appliance (2) includesthree basic elements: a plurality of brackets (4), an archwire (5), anda ligature (6). Each of the plurality of brackets (4) can be adhered toa tooth surface (8)(9) and intercoupled by the archwire (5), whereby thethe ligature (6) can be used to retain the archwire (5) in associationwith the plurality of brackets (4). The archwire (5) can generateexternal forces to urge the teeth (3) toward a targeted position ororientation over a period of time. Accordingly, the orthodonticappliance (2) can be utilized to correct malocclused teeth (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2A, as to particular embodiments, theinventive bracket system (1) can include a plurality of brackets (4)which adhere to the facial surfaces (8) of respective teeth (3) around adental arch (7), whereby the archwire (5) intercoupling the plurality ofbrackets (4) extends around the facial surfaces (9) of the teeth (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2B, as to particular embodiments, theinventive bracket system (1) can include a plurality of brackets (4)which adhere to the lingual surfaces (9) of respective teeth (3) aroundthe dental arch (7), whereby the archwire (5) intercoupling theplurality of brackets (4) extends around the lingual surfaces (9) of theteeth (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 7A, embodiments ofthe inventive bracket system (1) can be utilized to correctly align aplurality of teeth (3), which can be malocclused or misaligned inrelation to one or more of: mesial-distal inclination (29) (alsoreferred to as “tip”) (as shown in the example of FIG. 5A); a dentalarch midline (22), whether facial or lingual misalignment (also referredto as “in-out”) (as shown in the example of FIG. 6A), or facial-lingualroot inclination (28) (also referred to as “torque”) (as shown in theexample of FIG. 7A).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 through FIG. 4B, the inventive bracketsystem (1) can include a bracket combinatorial library (33) having aplurality of brackets (4) each interchangeably fixedly mountable to eachof a plurality of teeth (3) within a dentition group (34) in a dentalarch (7). Each of the plurality of brackets (4) within the bracketcombinatorial library (33) can include a bracket base (10), a bracketbody (11), and an archwire slot (12).

The term “bracket combinatorial library” for the purposes of thisinvention means a plurality of brackets (4) having various combinationsand permutations of bracket base rotation configurations (39), bracketbody lengths (23), and archwire slot angles (31) over a maximum range ofaction for orthodontic mechanics to correspondingly provide a gradedseries of prescribable tipping force moments, in-out force moments, andtorqueing force moments which can be customized for a respective tooth(3).

The bracket base (10) can have one configuration fixedly mountable toeach one of the plurality of teeth (3) within the dentition group (34),whereby a bracket base mounting surface (35) can be adapted for directlybonding to the surfaces (8)(9) of respective teeth (3). As to particularembodiments, the bracket base mounting surface (35) can be configured toconform to a facial mountable tooth surface (8), a lingual mountabletooth surface (9), or both, of each one of the plurality of teeth (3)within the dentition group (34).

As to particular embodiments, the bracket base mounting surface (35) canbe configured as a generally planar bracket base mounting surface (35).As to other particular embodiments, the bracket base mounting surface(35) can be configured as an arcuate bracket base mounting surface (35),which can have a concave or convex contour configured to conform to acorresponding convex or concave contour of a mountable tooth surface(8)(9) of each one of the plurality of teeth (3) within the dentitiongroup (34).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5C, the bracket base(10) can have a configuration rotatable in relation to a zero degreemesial-distal inclination axis (30) of a tooth (3) prior to beingfixedly mounted to one of the plurality of teeth (3) within thedentition group (34). The bracket base (10) coupled to the bracket body(11) having an archwire slot (12) extending across a bracket body secondend (18) can be rotated to dispose an archwire slot longitudinal axis(36) in a generally mesial-distal orientation, whereby the archwire slot(12) having the archwire slot longitudinal axis (36) in substantiallyperpendicular relation to the zero degree mesial-distal inclination axis(30) of the tooth (3) defines a zero degree archwire slot rotation axis(37). Tipping force moments can be generated by rotating the bracketbase (10) and corresponding archwire slot (12) in either a clockwise ora counterclockwise direction from the zero degree archwire slot rotationaxis (37) to provide a corrective archwire slot rotation configuration(38) (as shown in the example of FIG. 5B). The amount of rotation of thebracket base (10) and corresponding archwire slot (12) can be within themaximum range of action for orthodontic mechanics relating to correctionof mesial-distal inclination (29) of one or more teeth (3). As anillustrative example, the bracket base (10) can have a configurationrotatable throughout a range of between about −50 degrees to about 50degrees in relation to the zero degree archwire slot rotation axis (37),whereby an archwire slot rotation configuration (38) of −50 degrees,achieved by counterclockwise rotation from the zero degree archwire slotrotation axis (37), orients the corresponding archwire slot longitudinalaxis (36) at about −50 degrees from the zero degree archwire slotrotation axis (37) and an archwire slot rotation configuration (38) of50 degrees, achieved by clockwise rotation from the zero degree archwireslot rotation axis (37), orients the corresponding archwire slotlongitudinal axis (36) at about 50 degrees from the zero degree archwireslot rotation axis (37). An archwire (5) can then be disposed within thearchwire slot (12) to generate sufficient tipping force moments tocorrect mesial-distal inclination (29) of one or more teeth (3). Thevarious bracket base rotation configurations (39) and correspondingarchwire slot rotation configurations (38) can provide incrementallyvarying tipping force moments, whereby a greater a archwire slotrotation configuration (38) can generate greater tipping force momentsin relation to a lesser archwire slot rotation configuration (38), whichcan generate lesser tipping force moments.

As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 5A, a plurality of teeth(3) can be misaligned in relation to mesial-distal inclination (29),whereby a first tooth (40) can have substantially zero mesial-distalinclination (29), a second tooth (41) can have a distal-axialinclination (29A) of 5 degrees from the zero degree mesial-distalinclination axis (30), and a third tooth (42) can have a mesial-axialinclination (29B) of −5 degrees from the zero degree mesial-distalinclination axis (30). As shown in FIG. 5B, to correct thismisalignment, bracket base rotation configurations (39) of the pluralityof brackets (4) fixedly mounted to the corresponding plurality of teeth(3) can be prescribed (prescription shown in broken circle for each ofthe plurality of teeth (3)) such that sufficient tipping force momentscan be generated by an archwire (5) disposed within the archwire slot(12) to move the plurality of teeth (3) toward the zero degreemesial-distal inclination axis (30).

As shown in FIG. 5B, to correct the mesial-distal inclination (29) ofthe second and third teeth (41)(42), a first bracket base (43) can berotated and fixedly mounted to the first tooth (40) to orient thearchwire slot longitudinal axis (36) of the corresponding archwire slot(12) in substantially parallel relation to the zero degree archwire slotrotation axis (37), which is in substantially perpendicular relation tothe zero degree mesial-distal inclination axis (30) of the first tooth(40). A second bracket base (44), having a configuration which issimilar to the first bracket base (43), can be rotated clockwise andfixedly mounted to the second tooth (41) to orient the archwire slotlongitudinal axis (36) of the corresponding archwire slot (12) about 5degrees from the zero degree archwire slot rotation axis (37). A thirdbracket base (45), having a configuration which is similar to the firstand second bracket bases (43)(44), can be rotated counterclockwise andfixedly mounted to the third tooth (42) to orient the archwire slotlongitudinal axis (36) of the corresponding archwire slot (12) about 5degrees from the zero degree archwire slot rotation axis (37). Anarchwire (5) can then be disposed within each of the archwire slots (12)to generate sufficient tipping force moments to reduce the distal-axialinclination (29A) of the second tooth (41) and the mesial-axialinclination (29B) of the third tooth (42) toward zero degrees ofmesial-distal inclination corresponding to the zero degree mesial-distalinclination axis (30) and provide a targeted alignment of the pluralityof teeth (3) (as shown in the example of FIG. 5C). Accordingly, onerotatable bracket base configuration can be used to correctmesial-distal inclination (29) of a plurality of teeth (3) by rotatingeach bracket base (10) to achieve corresponding targeted archwire slotlongitudinal axis (36) orientations configured to correct mesial-distalinclination of each tooth (3) within the plurality of teeth (3).

As to particular embodiments, the bracket base (10) can be provided withbond enhancement elements (13) to increase strength of the bond betweenthe bracket base (10) and the respective tooth surfaces (8)(9). Bondenhancement elements (13) can include chemical bond enhancements,mechanical bond enhancements, or a combination thereof. For example,suitable chemical bond enhancements can include silane treatment such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,366. Suitable mechanical bondenhancements can include ridges, pegs, grooves, particles (such asregularly-shaped particles including spheres, rods, or cones, orirregularly-shaped particles such as shards of ceramic material).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C, the bracket (4) canfurther include a bracket body (11) having a bracket body length (23)disposed between a bracket body first end (17) and a bracket body secondend (18), whereby the bracket body first end (17) couples to the bracketbase (10) and the bracket body second end (18) outwardly extends fromthe bracket base (10). The plurality of brackets (4) within the bracketcombinatorial library (33) can have a plurality of preselected bracketbody lengths (23) discretely occurring throughout a bracket body lengthrange, typically between zero millimeters to about 5 millimeters. As toparticular embodiments, the preselected body bracket lengths (23)discretely occurring throughout the bracket body length range of betweenzero millimeters to about 5 millimeters can occur at intervals selectedfrom the group including or consisting of: between about 0.25millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters, between about 0.375 millimeters toabout 0.875 millimeters, between about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.0millimeter, and between about 0.75 millimeters to about 1.25millimeters, whereby a lesser interval provides a greater number ofbrackets (4) within the bracket combinatorial library (33) to span thebracket body length range in relation to a greater interval, whichprovides a lesser number of brackets (4) within the bracketcombinatorial library (33) to span the bracket body length range.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C, when a pluralityof brackets (4) are fixedly mounted to a corresponding plurality ofteeth (3), the bracket body length (23) can generate in-out forcemoments, which can urge the teeth (3) to move toward a targetedalignment with a dental arch midline (22). By altering the bracket bodylength (23), the distance between the facial or lingual surfaces (8)(9)of the respective teeth (3) and an archwire slot base (19) can becorrespondingly altered to sufficiently tension an archwire (5) disposedwithin the archwire slot (12) to move the respective teeth (3) towardthe dental arch midline (22), whether “in” or “out”.

Now referring to primarily to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6B, the inventive bracketsystem (1) can provide a graded series of bracket body lengths (23)within a plurality of brackets (4) over a maximum range of action fororthodontic mechanics relating to in-out force moments for alignment ofteeth (3) in relation to the dental arch midline (22). Accordingly, anorthodontic practitioner can prescribe and fit a bracket body length(23) (prescription shown in broken circle for each of the plurality ofteeth (3)) from the graded series of bracket body lengths (23) withinthe plurality of brackets (4) of the bracket combinatorial library (33),whereby each bracket body length (23) is unique to the in-out forcemoments required for alignment of each corresponding one of theplurality of teeth (3) toward the dental arch midline (22). The gradedseries of bracket body lengths (23) can provide incrementally varyingin-out force moments, whereby a greater bracket body length (23) cangenerate greater in-out force moments in relation to a lesser bracketbody length (23), which can generate lesser in-out force moments.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C, as an illustrativeexample, a plurality of teeth (3), including a left maxillary cuspid(24), a left maxillary first bicuspid (25), a left maxillary secondbicuspid (26), and left maxillary first molar (27), can be misaligned inrelation to the dental arch midline (22). As shown in FIG. 6B, tocorrect this misalignment, the bracket body lengths (23) of theplurality of brackets (4) fixedly mounted to the corresponding pluralityof teeth (3) can be prescribed (prescription shown in broken circle foreach of the plurality of teeth (3)) such that sufficient in-out forcemoments can be generated by an archwire (5) disposed within the archwireslot (12) to move the plurality of teeth (3) toward the dental archmidline (22).

As shown in FIG. 6B, to correct the misalignment of the left maxillaryfirst bicuspid (25) and the left maxillary second bicuspid (26) inrelation to the dental arch midline (22), a greater bracket base length(23) can be prescribed for the left maxillary first bicuspid (25) tomove the left maxillary first bicuspid (25) toward the dental archmidline (22) and a lesser bracket base length (23) can be prescribed forthe left maxillary second bicuspid (26) to move the left maxillarysecond bicuspid (26) toward the dental arch midline (22).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7A through FIG. 7E, the bracket (4) canfurther include an archwire slot (12) extending across the bracket bodysecond end (18). The archwire slot (12) can be defined by an archwireslot base (19) joined to a pair of archwire slot walls (20)(21) disposeda distance apart in substantially parallel opposed relation. Thearchwire slot (12) can be angled in relation to the bracket base (10) todefine an archwire slot angle (31), whereby the archwire slot (12) canbe configured to receive an archwire (5), such as an archwire (5) havinga rectangular archwire cross-section.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7D and FIG. 7E, the archwire slot (12)can be angled in relation to the bracket base (10) to define thearchwire slot angle (31) by angling the archwire slot (12) in relationto a bracket body longitudinal axis (32) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 7B and FIG. 7D). Alternatively, the archwire slot (12) can beangled in relation to the bracket base (10) to define the archwire slotangle (31) by angling the bracket body longitudinal axis (32) inrelation to the bracket base (10) (as shown in the examples of FIG. 7E).

The plurality of brackets (4) within the bracket combinatorial library(33) can have a plurality of preselected archwire slot angles (31)discretely occurring throughout an archwire slot angle range, typicallybetween 0 degrees to about 60 degrees. As to particular embodiments, thepreselected archwire slot angles (31) discretely occurring throughoutthe archwire slot angle range of between 0 degrees to about 60 degreescan occur at intervals selected from the group including or consistingof: between about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, between about 7.5degrees to about 12.5 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 15degrees, between about 12.5 degrees to about 17.5 degrees, between about15 degrees to about 20 degrees, and between about 17.5 degrees to about22.5 degrees, whereby a lesser interval provides a greater number ofbrackets (4) within the bracket combinatorial library (33) to span thearchwire slot angle range in relation to a greater interval, whichprovides a lesser number of brackets (4) within the bracketcombinatorial library (33) to span the archwire slot angle range.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7A through FIG. 7C, when a plurality ofbrackets (4) are fixedly mounted to a corresponding plurality of teeth(3), the archwire slot angle (31) can generate torqueing force moments,which can urge the teeth (3) to move toward a targeted alignment inrelation to a zero degree facial-lingual root inclination axis (48). Byaltering the archwire slot angle (31), the angle between the facial orlingual surfaces (8)(9) of the respective teeth (3) and the archwireslot (12) can be correspondingly altered to sufficiently tension anarchwire (5) disposed within the archwire slot (12) to move therespective teeth (3) toward the zero degree facial-lingual rootinclination axis (48).

Now referring to primarily to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7B, the inventive bracketsystem (1) can provide a graded series of archwire slot angles (31)within a plurality of brackets (4) over a maximum range of action fororthodontic mechanics relating to torqueing force moments for alignmentof teeth (3) in relation to the zero degree facial-lingual rootinclination axis (48). Accordingly, an orthodontic practitioner canprescribe and fit an archwire slot angle (31) (prescription shown inbroken circle for each of the plurality of teeth (3)) from the gradedseries of archwire slot angles (31) within the plurality of brackets (4)of the bracket combinatorial library (33), whereby each archwire slotangle (31) is unique to the torqueing force moments required foralignment of each corresponding one of the plurality of teeth (3) towardthe zero degree facial-lingual root inclination axis (48). The gradedseries of archwire slot angles (31) can provide incrementally varyingtorqueing force moments, whereby a greater archwire slot angle (31) cangenerate greater torqueing force moments in relation to a lesserarchwire slot angle (31), which can generate lesser torqueing forcemoments.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7A through FIG. 7C, as an illustrativeexample, a plurality of teeth (3), including a left maxillary secondbicuspid (26), a left maxillary first bicuspid (25), and a leftmaxillary first molar (27), can be misaligned in relation to the zerodegree facial-lingual root inclination axis (48). As shown in FIG. 7B,to correct this misalignment, the archwire slot angles (31) of theplurality of brackets (4) fixedly mounted to the corresponding pluralityof teeth (3) can be prescribed (prescription shown in broken circle foreach of the plurality of teeth (3)) such that sufficient torqueing forcemoments can be generated on an archwire (5) disposed within the archwireslot (12) to move the plurality of teeth (3) toward the zero degreefacial-lingual root inclination axis (48).

As shown in FIG. 7B, to correct the misalignment of the left maxillaryfirst bicuspid (25) and the left maxillary second bicuspid (26) inrelation to the zero degree facial-lingual root inclination axis (48), alingual-directing archwire slot angle (31) can be prescribed for theleft maxillary first bicuspid (25) to move the left maxillary firstbicuspid (25) toward the zero degree facial-lingual root inclinationaxis (48) and a facial-directing archwire slot angle (31) can beprescribed for the left maxillary second bicuspid (26) to move the leftmaxillary second bicuspid (26) toward the zero degree facial-lingualroot inclination axis (48).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2A through FIG. 3, the inventive bracketsystem (1) can include a bracket combinatorial library (33) having aplurality of brackets (4) each interchangeably fixedly mountable to eachof a plurality of teeth (3) within a dentition group (34) in a dentalarch (7).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2B, as to particular embodiments, thedental arch (7) can be divided into a first dental arch configuration(49), which includes four dentition groups (34), whereby a first dentalarch configuration first dentition group (50) can include central andlateral incisors (51)(52); a first dental arch configuration seconddentition group (53) can include cuspids (canine teeth) (54); a firstdental arch configuration third dentition group (57) can include firstbicuspids (first premolars) (55) and second bicuspids (second premolars)(56); and a first dental arch configuration fourth dentition group (71)can include first and second molars (58)(59).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2B, as to other particular embodiments,the dental arch (7) can be divided into a second dental archconfiguration (60), which includes three dentition groups (34), wherebya second dental arch configuration first dentition group (61) caninclude central and lateral incisors (51)(52); a second dental archconfiguration second dentition group (62) can include cuspids (canineteeth) (54), first bicuspids (first premolars) (55), and secondbicuspids (second premolars) (56); and a second dental archconfiguration third dentition group (72) can include first and secondmolars (58)(59).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2A, as to yet other particularembodiments, the dental arch (7) can be divided into a third dental archconfiguration (73), which includes two dentition groups (34), whereby athird dental arch configuration first dentition group (74) can includecentral and lateral incisors (51)(52), cuspids (canine teeth) (54),first bicuspids (first premolars) (55), and second bicuspids (secondpremolars) (56); and a third dental arch configuration second dentitiongroup (75) can include first and second molars (58)(59).

As to still yet other particular embodiments, the dental arch (7) can bedivided into a fourth dental arch configuration, which only has onedentition group (34), including central and lateral incisors (51)(52),cuspids (canine teeth) (54), first bicuspids (first premolars) (55),second bicuspids (second premolars) (56), and first and second molars(58)(59).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3, the inventive bracket system (1) caninclude a bracket combinatorial library (33) including a plurality ofbrackets (4) each interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of aplurality of teeth (3) within a dentition group (34) in a dental arch(7), whereby each of the plurality of brackets (4) within the bracketcombinatorial library (33) can include (i) a bracket base (10) havingone configuration fixedly mountable to each one of the plurality ofteeth (3) within the dentition group (34); (ii) a bracket body (11)having a preselected bracket body length (23); and (iii) an archwireslot (12) extending across the bracket body second end (18), whereby thearchwire slot (12) has a preselected archwire slot angle (31). Each oneof the plurality of preselected bracket body lengths (23) can discretelycombine with each one of the plurality of preselected archwire slotangles (31) to provide the plurality of brackets (4) within the bracketcombinatorial library (33) associated with the dentition group (34), theplurality of brackets (4) being equal to a product of a number ofdifferent preselected bracket body lengths (23) occurring throughout thebracket body length range times a number of different preselectedarchwire slot angles (31) occurring throughout the archwire slot anglerange.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 3, the bracket combinatorial library(33) can include a plurality of brackets (4) each interchangeablyfixedly mountable to each of a plurality of teeth (3) within a dentitiongroup (34) in a dental arch (7), whereby each of the plurality ofbrackets (4) within the bracket combinatorial library (33) can include:(i) a bracket base (10) having one configuration fixedly mountable toeach one of the plurality of teeth (3) within the dentition group (34);(ii) a bracket body (11) having one of three preselected bracket bodylengths (23), including a first bracket body length (63), a secondbracket body length (64), and a third bracket body length (65); and anarchwire slot (12) extending across the bracket body second end (18),whereby the archwire slot (12) has one of three preselected archwireslot angles (31), including a first archwire slot angle (66), a secondarchwire slot angle (67), and a third archwire slot angle (68).Accordingly, the bracket combinatorial library (33) can include ninediscretely different bracket configurations, the plurality of brackets(4) within the bracket combinational library (33) being equal to aproduct of the three different preselected bracket body lengths (23)times the three different preselected archwire slot angles (31).Further, each of the nine discretely different bracket configurationscan be rotated to achieve any archwire slot rotation configuration (38)in relation to the zero degree archwire slot rotation axis (37), thusallowing customization of the inventive bracket system (1) with arelatively few discretely different bracket configurations.

Accordingly, the inventive bracket system (1) can provide a bracketcombinatorial library (33) including a plurality of brackets (4) havingrotatable bracket bases (10) associated with the graded series ofbracket body lengths (23) and the graded series of archwire slot angles(31) in various combinations and permutations over a maximum range ofaction for orthodontic mechanics to correspondingly provide a gradedseries of prescribable tipping force moments, in-out force moments, andtorqueing force moments unique for each of the respective teeth (3) ofthe plurality of teeth (3) within the dentition group (34).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4A and FIG. 8, as to particularembodiments, the inventive bracket system (1) can further includegingival tie wings (14) and occlusal tie wings (15) which projectoutwardly from the bracket body second end (18), whereby the gingivaltie wings (14) and the occlusal tie wings (15) can be adapted to allowan elastic ligature (6) to be stretched around respective peripheralundercuts (16) to retain the archwire (5) disposed within the archwireslot (12).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8, as to other particular embodiments,the inventive bracket system (1) can further include self-ligatingbrackets (69), which can have a movable latch element (70) adapted toretain the archwire (5) within the archwire slot (12). As anillustrative example, the latch element (70) can include a door, a clip,a spring member, a cover, a shutter, a bail, or any other structurewhich can be connected to the bracket body (11) for retaining thearchwire (5) within the archwire slot (12).

A method of producing an inventive bracket system (1) having a bracketcombinatorial library (33) can include providing a plurality of brackets(4) each interchangeably fixedly mountable to each of a plurality ofteeth (3) within a dentition group (34) in a dental arch (7). Each ofthe plurality of brackets (4) within the bracket combinatorial library(33) can be provided by configuring a bracket base (10) to have oneconfiguration fixedly mountable to each one of the plurality of teeth(3) within the dentition group (34), the one configuration rotatablethroughout a range of between about −50 degrees to about 50 degrees inrelation to a zero degree archwire slot rotation axis (37) prior tobeing fixedly mounted to one of the plurality of teeth (3) within thedentition group (34); providing a bracket body (11) having a bracketbody length (23) disposed between a bracket body first end (17) and abracket body second end (18), whereby the bracket body length (23) canbe a preselected bracket body length (23) discretely occurringthroughout a bracket body length range of between zero millimeters toabout 5 millimeters; coupling the bracket body first end (17) to thebracket base (10), the bracket body second end (18) extending outwardlyfrom the bracket base (10); disposing an archwire slot (12) configuredto receive an archwire (5) within the bracket body second end (18) toextend across the bracket body second end (18), the archwire slot (12)defined by an archwire slot base (19) joined to a pair of archwire slotwalls (20)(21) disposed a distance apart in substantially parallelopposed relation, the archwire slot (12) angled in relation to thebracket base (10) to define an archwire slot angle (31), whereby thearchwire slot angle (31) can be a preselected archwire slot angle (31)discretely occurring throughout an archwire slot angle range of between0 degrees to about 60 degrees; and discretely combining each one of theplurality of preselected bracket body lengths (23) with each one of theplurality of preselected archwire slot angles (31) to provide thebracket combinatorial library (33), whereby the plurality of brackets(4) within the bracket combinatorial library (33) associated with thedentition group (34) being equal to a product of a number of differentpreselected bracket body lengths (23) occurring throughout the bracketbody length range times a number of different preselected archwire slotangles (31) occurring throughout the archwire slot angle range.

As to particular embodiments of the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33), thepreselected body bracket lengths (23) discretely occurring throughoutthe bracket body length range of between zero millimeters to about 5millimeters can occur at intervals selected from the group including orconsisting of: between about 0.25 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters,between about 0.375 millimeters to about 0.875 millimeters, betweenabout 0.5 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeter, and between about 0.75millimeters to about 1.25 millimeters.

As to particular embodiments of the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33), thepreselected archwire slot angles discretely occurring throughout thearchwire slot angle range of between 0 degrees to about 50 degrees canoccur at intervals selected from the group including or consisting of:between about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, between about 7.5 degreesto about 12.5 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees,between about 12.5 degrees to about 17.5 degrees, between about 15degrees to about 20 degrees, and between about 17.5 degrees to about22.5 degrees.

As to particular embodiments of the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33), thedental arch (7) can be divided into a dental arch configuration havingfour dentition groups (34), whereby a first dental arch configurationfirst dentition group (50) can include central and lateral incisors(51)(52); a first dental arch configuration second dentition group (53)can include cuspids (canine teeth) (54); a first dental archconfiguration third dentition group (57) can include first bicuspids(first premolars) (55) and second bicuspids (second premolars) (56); anda first dental arch configuration fourth dentition group (71) caninclude first and second molars (58)(59).

As to other particular embodiments of the method of producing aninventive bracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library(33), the dental arch (7) can be divided into a dental archconfiguration having three dentition groups (34), whereby a seconddental arch configuration first dentition group (61) can include centraland lateral incisors (51)(52); a second dental arch configuration seconddentition group (62) can include cuspids (canine teeth) (54), firstbicuspids (first premolars) (55), and second bicuspids (secondpremolars) (56); and a second dental arch configuration third dentitiongroup (72) can include first and second molars (58)(59).

As to yet other particular embodiments of the method of producing aninventive bracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library(33), the dental arch (7) can be divided into a dental archconfiguration having two dentition groups (34), whereby a third dentalarch configuration first dentition group (74) can include central andlateral incisors (51)(52), cuspids (canine teeth) (54), first bicuspids(first premolars) (55), and second bicuspids (second premolars) (56);and a third dental arch configuration second dentition group (75) caninclude first and second molars (58)(59).

As to still yet other particular embodiments of the method of producingan inventive bracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library(33), the dental arch (7) can be divided into a fourth dental archconfiguration, which only has one dentition group (34), includingcentral and lateral incisors (51)(52), cuspids (canine teeth) (54),first bicuspids (first premolars) (55), second bicuspids (secondpremolars) (56), and first and second molars (58)(59).

As to particular embodiments, the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33) canfurther include providing the archwire (5) disposable in the archwireslot (12), whereby the archwire (5) can be configured to engage thearchwire slot (12) in a fixed configuration to generate increasingtipping force moments with an increase in archwire slot rotation inrelation to the zero degree archwire slot rotation axis. Subsequently,the tipping force moments can generate movement of at least one of theplurality of teeth (3) toward a zero degree mesial-distal inclinationaxis (30).

As to particular embodiments, the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33) canfurther include providing the archwire (5) disposable in the archwireslot (12), whereby the archwire (5) can be configured to engage thearchwire slot (12) in a fixed configuration to generate increasingin-out force moments with an increase in bracket body length (23).Subsequently, the in-out force moments can generate movement of at leastone of the plurality of teeth (3) toward a targeted alignment inrelation to a dental arch midline (22).

As to particular embodiments, the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33) canfurther include providing the archwire (5) disposable in the archwireslot (12), whereby the archwire (5) can be configured to engage thearchwire slot (12) in a fixed configuration to generate increasingtorquing force moments with an increase in archwire slot angle.Subsequently, the torquing force moments can generate movement of atleast one of the plurality of teeth (3) toward a zero degreefacial-lingual root inclination axis (48).

As to particular embodiments, the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33) canfurther include providing gingival tie wings (14) and occlusal tie wings(15) which project outwardly from the bracket body second end (18),whereby the gingival tie wings (14) and the occlusal tie wings (15) canbe adapted to allow an elastic ligature (6) to be stretched aroundrespective peripheral undercuts (16) to retain the archwire (5) disposedwithin the archwire slot (12).

As to particular embodiments, the method of producing an inventivebracket system (1) having a bracket combinatorial library (33) canfurther include movably coupling a latch element (70) to the archwireslot (12) proximate the bracket body second end (18), whereby the latchelement (70) can be adapted to retain the archwire (5) disposed withinthe archwire slot (12).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a bracket systemand methods for making and using such bracket systems, including thebest mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “torque” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “torqueing”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “torqueing”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “torque” and even a “means fortorqueing.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the bracket systems herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of producing a bracket systemcomprising a bracket combinatorial library, comprising: coupling abracket base to a bracket body having a bracket body length disposedbetween bracket body first and second ends to provide one of a pluralityof brackets; and extending an archwire slot across said bracket bodysecond end, said archwire slot angled in relation to said bracket baseto define an archwire slot angle; wherein said plurality of bracketsincludes a plurality of preselected bracket body lengths; wherein saidplurality of brackets includes a plurality of preselected archwire slotangles; wherein each one of said plurality of preselected bracket bodylengths discretely combines with each one of said plurality ofpreselected archwire slot angles; and wherein said plurality of bracketsare equal to a product of a number of different preselected bracket bodylengths times a number of different preselected archwire slot angles. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein each said bracket is mountable to each ofa plurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch; andwherein said dental arch is divided into a dental arch configurationhaving four dentition groups.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein: (i) afirst dentition group comprises central and lateral incisors; (ii) asecond dentition group comprises cuspids; (ii) a third dentition groupcomprises first bicuspids, and second bicuspids; and (iii) a fourthdentition group comprises first and second molars.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each said bracket is mountable to each of a pluralityof teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch; and wherein saiddental arch is divided into a dental arch configuration having threedentition groups.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein: (i) a firstdentition group comprises central and lateral incisors; (ii) a seconddentition group comprises cuspids, first bicuspids, and secondbicuspids; and (iii) a third dentition group comprises first and secondmolars.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each said bracket is mountableto each of a plurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dentalarch; and wherein said dental arch is divided into a dental archconfiguration having two dentition groups.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein: (i) a first dentition group comprises central and lateralincisors, cuspids, first bicuspids, and second bicuspids; and (ii) asecond dentition group comprises first and second molars.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein each said bracket is mountable to each of aplurality of teeth within a dentition group in a dental arch; andwherein said dental arch is divided into a dental arch configurationhaving one dentition group comprising central and lateral incisors,cuspids, first bicuspids, second bicuspids, and first and second molars.9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an archwiredisposable in said archwire slot, said archwire configured to engagesaid archwire slot in a fixed configuration to generate increasingtipping force moments with an increase in archwire slot rotation inrelation to a zero degree archwire slot rotation axis.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein said tipping force moments generate movement of atleast one of a plurality of teeth toward a zero degree mesial-distalinclination axis.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprisingproviding an archwire disposable in said archwire slot, said archwireconfigured to engage said archwire slot in a fixed configuration togenerate increasing in-out force moments with an increase in bracketbody length.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said in-out forcemoments generate movement of at least one of a plurality of teeth towarda targeted alignment in relation to a dental arch midline.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising providing an archwire disposablein said archwire slot, said archwire configured to engage said archwireslot in a fixed configuration to generate increasing torquing forcemoments with an increase in archwire slot angle.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein said torquing force moments generate movement of at leastone of a plurality of teeth toward a zero degree facial-lingual rootinclination axis.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprisingproviding gingival tie wings and occlusal tie wings configured toproject outwardly from said bracket body second end, said gingival tiewings and said occlusal tie wings adapted to allow an elastic ligatureto be stretched around respective peripheral undercuts to overlay anarchwire disposed in said archwire slot.
 16. The method of claim 1,furthering comprising providing a latch element configured to movablycouple to said archwire slot proximate said bracket body second end,said latch element adapted to retain an archwire disposed within saidarchwire slot.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said bracket base hasa configuration rotatable in relation to a zero degree archwire slotrotation axis prior to being fixedly mounted to one of a plurality ofteeth within a dentition group.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein saidbracket base has a configuration rotatable throughout a range of betweenabout −50 degrees to about 50 degrees in relation to said zero degreearchwire slot rotation axis prior to being fixedly mounted to one ofsaid plurality of teeth within said dentition group.
 19. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said preselected bracket body lengths discretely occurthroughout a bracket body length range of between zero millimeters toabout 5 millimeters.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein said preselectedarchwire slot angles discretely occur throughout an archwire slot anglerange of between zero degrees to about 60 degrees.